Thousands of volunteers will take part in over 300 beach cleans across the UK this weekend.

The annual event by the Marine Conservation Society will help collect data on litter levels, with plastics debris by far the most common item found.

MCS's Beachwatch is the UK's biggest beach clean programme and has been running for over 20 years, but chief exec Sandy Luk says there has been an increase in public interest and engagement over the past year.

Video:Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign so far

"Awareness of the public has really, really picked up because of the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign... and I think more and more people are becoming aware that we are chucking a truck-load of plastic into the sea every minute of the day," she said.